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Public funding of school libraries in New York
In 1835, New York passed a law allowing school districts to spend tax money on school libraries. After funds-matching legislation was enacted in 1839, school libraries in New York grew substantially. This paved the way for other states to pass similar laws, spurring school library growth in 19 other states. While this movement failed, it laid the groundwork for similar but improved legislation in 1892. Without such funding, it is doubtful that school libraries would have ever become commonplace. -
Cleveland Public Library Opened
A leader in public library services, this was the first library to have its shelves directly open to patrons, the first to have dedicated space and services for children, and one of the first with services for blind patrons. The Cleveland library continued to innovate by providing early access to film and technology, a space for unbiased dissemination of information, and a strong partnership with the community. This library continues to be a model for others ("Cleveland Public Library History"). -
Standard Library Organization and Equipment for Secondary Schools report published
This report (aka the Certain report) revealed the poor state of school libraries and formed the first school library standards. The standards included recommendations for the size of libraries, number of books, budgets, and minimum qualifications of librarians. It even suggested that libraries include multimedia and realia in their collections. With these and subsequent standards forming a minimum for quality, the school library started to become more valuable for students and teachers alike. -
National Defense Education Act
This act provided funds for books and equipment for libraries. It kicked off a trend of followed by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in 1965 which provided millions of dollars for libraries as well as additional funds for materials for underprivileged youth. With legislation such as this, and with an increase in funds from private sources, existing libraries were able to greatly increase their materials and services and many new libraries were able to open their doors. -
Standards for School Media Programs produced
Produced as a joint venture by the American Association of School Librarians and the NEA Department of Audiovisual Instruction, the standards helped bring an increased focus on the school library media center as it was viewed as fundamental to the spectrum of student needs. These standards also helped ensure that school libraries stay up with new technology and pedagogical trends by pushing for regular reviews of national standards, which supported the media center as an active part of schools. -
Board of Education v Pico Supreme Court Decision
After the Island Trees school district removed nine "objectionable" books from the school library, five students successfully brought the complaint that their First Amendment rights were infringed by the action. Schools could still select their own books, but books could not be removed without due process. This is seen as a victory for schools as a source of intellectual freedom rather than merely passing on existing values. This armed librarians with an increased ability to fight censorship.